West Lindsey: Good landlord scheme launch

A scheme to give tenants more confidence in their landlords is being launched by West Lindsey District Council.
NEWS: The Gainsborough StandardNEWS: The Gainsborough Standard
NEWS: The Gainsborough Standard

The council is working with DASH Services to raise awareness of the regional landlord accreditation scheme.

Landlords who sign up are awarded a quality mark for demonstrating their skills in property and tenant management. Membership is free and members benefit from advice and guidance as well as financial discounts.

Landlords become part of a support network which provides a resource library, newsletters, alerts on events and information, such as changes in legislation.

Accreditation is awarded to the landlord rather than the property and landlords can do online training and attend events.

Coun Malcolm Parish, chair of the council’s prosperous communities committee, said: “The charity Shelter has highlighted the growing problem of rogue landlords in Britain in the private rented sector.”

“With the number of people living in the private rented sector growing and set to increase, West Lindsey District Council believes that there should be a voluntary accreditation scheme in place for tenants to check whether they are renting from a good landlord.”

Accreditation enables tenants to find landlords who hold the quality mark and make informed choices.

“With the increasing importance of the private rented sector in providing homes for local workers, the council has a duty to ensure homes being let are safe and that landlords are trustworthy and have integrity,” he added.

Landlords can apply by visiting www.dashservices.org.uk or calling 01332 640324.